INDIA – Swiss aseptic packaging leader SIG has officially inaugurated its first aseptic carton production plant in India, marking a significant step in its expansion into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
The €90 million facility in Ahmedabad, Gujarat was completed in just 20 months and will support India’s thriving dairy and non-carbonated soft drinks sectors.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the plant has an initial production capacity of up to 4 billion aseptic carton packs annually while adhering to the highest environmental standards.
It is expected to create over 300 local jobs and provide a reliable supply of packaging solutions for SIG’s growing customer base in India.
Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda and a Swiss economic delegation attended the official opening ceremony, reinforcing the strong ties between India and Switzerland.
Addressing market demand with aseptic solutions
India, the world’s largest milk market and a major juice producer, presents a significant opportunity for aseptic packaging.
With less than 10% of its milk consumption packaged and cold chain infrastructure still limited, aseptic cartons provide a safe, sustainable, and convenient alternative, allowing long-term storage without preservatives or energy-intensive refrigeration.
The new facility will enable shorter delivery times, enhanced market responsiveness, and greater support for India’s dairy and beverage industries.
Swiss State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda commended SIG’s investment, emphasizing the 75-year friendship between India and Switzerland.
She praised SIG’s expansion as a reflection of the strong partnership between the two nations and the contribution of Swiss engineering to India’s food and beverage sector.
SIG CEO Samuel Sigrist highlighted the company’s commitment to India’s growth, stating that local production will provide high-quality packaging solutions and flexible filling technology to support its partners.
Since entering the Indian market in 2018, SIG has recorded rapid business growth, achieving double-digit revenue increases in 2024.
Future expansion plans
Building on its success, SIG has already secured approval from its Board of Directors for an additional €50 million investment in a local extrusion line, set to be operational by 2027.
This move will further enhance SIG’s ability to meet growing demand while driving local innovation.
SIG’s India, Middle East, and Africa President, Abdelghany Eladib, described the Ahmedabad plant as a milestone achievement, enabling the company to serve customers more efficiently and innovate with new package designs tailored to evolving market trends.
Vandana Tandan, Head of Market India and Bangladesh, echoed this sentiment, noting that India’s dairy and beverage sectors are growing rapidly, presenting a key opportunity for SIG to expand its presence.
With this investment, SIG reinforces its role as a leading player in India’s packaging industry, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to support the country’s evolving consumer needs.
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